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Why men are more likely to have hearing loss

By Diane Krieger Spivak

SPONSOREDMarch 28, 2017

It’s a fact that men suffer from hearing loss more than women do.

In fact, studies show that men are more than twice as likely, according to the Better Hearing Institute The main reason, not surprisingly, is work-related. Men, as a rule, work in jobs that are noisier — construction and factory jobs that, more often than not, involve the use of heavy machinery and other noisy equipment.

Men are also more likely than women to participate in noisy recreational sports and hobbies that involve high levels of noise from firearms, motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, power tools and more.

According to hearing experts, pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may also be guilty, according to a study conducted by Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Vanderbilt University and the Massachusets Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Published in the 2010 issue of the American Journal of Medicine, the study found that regular use of pain relievers increased hearing loss in men under the age of 60.

Fortunately, there are precautions that men can take to prevent hearing loss, both on the job and during recreational activities, says the Better Hearing Institute.

Although employers are required by law to provide hearing protection for employees in work environments where decibel levels exceed 85, men (as well as women) should always take precautions when around excessive noise. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs on the job, when using recreational power tools, going to a concert, races, and using recreational vehicles.

Keep earplugs in your car and keep earplugs or earmuffs near your lawnmower. Concert goers can buy custom hearing protection molds that allow you to listen to music at safe listening levels while maintaining excellent sound quality, adds the Better Hearing Institute..